Emergency crews respond after Baltimore train derails, explodes

A train derailed in the northern suburbs of Baltimore. (Source: WBAL/CNN)

Hazmat teams are on the scene of a train derailment near Baltimore. (Source: WBAL/CNN)

WHITE MARSH, MD (RNN) – A cargo train exploded after hitting a tractor trailer and derailing north of Baltimore in White Marsh, MD, according to Baltimore County police.

A hazmat team responded to the scene, though fire officials have since confirmed the train was not carrying toxic chemicals.

Approximately 15 cars from a CSX train derailed on the front end of the train. Two cars toward the back of the train caught fire, "several thousand feet away" from the derailed cars, according to Baltimore County Fire Chief John J. Hohman.

It's not known if the derailment and fire happened consecutively or simultaneously.

"Our tactics now are we are choosing to let it burn. We are there on the scene ready to attack it. We are conferring with CSX to make sure we go about it in the safest manner for our people," Hohman said.

The driver of the tractor trailer was transported to an area hospital with unknown injuries.

The two employees of the train were not injured.

The wreck, which happened at 2 p.m. ET, took place in an industrial area. Some buildings close to the train tracks sustained damage after the explosion, and black smoke has been rising hundreds of feet into the air from the wreckage.

CNN also reported windows had been cracked and broken miles away from the force of the explosion.

Employees at a McDonalds two miles away from the scene told The Baltimore Sun the entire building shook. The restaurant has been closed.